Throwing game apparatus &amp; method

ABSTRACT

The disclosure concerns a throwing game, including: a throwing game apparatus having a planar base, an annular periphery extending upwardly from the planar base, and three receptacles positioned in a linear array and disposed within a distal one-half of the planar base, among other distinguishing features; and a method for playing a throwing game using the throwing apparatus, as well as a kit including the throwing game apparatus, throwing objects, and instructions for playing a game.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates to throwing games and related methods for play.

Description of the Related Art

The use of games for amusement purposes is known in the prior art. More specifically, games for amusement purposes to date, being devised and utilized for the purpose of providing amusement, are known to consist essentially of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art that have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.

By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 285,396 to De Windt discloses what is believed to be the first version of a throwing game modernly known as “cornhole”. De Windt discloses a game structure having a planar base and a square aperture in the center of the planar base configured to receive a bean bag or other throwing object tossed by a player.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,968 to Starnes discloses a cap toss game which utilizes a game board having a flat receiving surface and is provided with an opening in the center that may receive a net. The game board may be elevated on legs to facilitate tossing bottle caps, with a view toward striking those areas of the game board closest to the opening or, most preferably, tossing the bottle caps through the opening.

While these game-related devices fulfill their respective, particular objective and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a throwing game with three receptacles each disposed on a common half of a game board and having particular features as described and claimed herein.

In this respect, the throwing game according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an inventive throwing game apparatus and related method of play.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved throwing game that departs from prior art comparables and induces the interest of players looking for a new, exciting and entertaining gaming experience. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.

SUMMARY

The disclosure concerns a throwing game, including: a throwing game apparatus having a planar base, an annular periphery extending upwardly from the planar base, and three receptacles positioned in a linear array and disposed on one side of the planar base, among other distinguishing features as further described herein; and a method for playing a throwing game using the throwing game apparatus.

Making use of a related throwing game kit, each player, or team, receives throwing objects, and upon respective turn during the game, attempts to throw the throwing objects through one of the apertures of the throwing game apparatus to be held in one of the corresponding receptacles. Each receptacle is associated with a distinct numerical score, and the players, or teams, attempt to be first to achieve the exact pre-determined score.

In some embodiments of play, during any given round, if each player, or team, lands one throwing object into a particular receptacle, neither player or team receives a point (they cancel one another); however, if one player or team lands an additional throwing object in the particular receptacle, the additional throwing object receives the associated numerical score.

Other features and embodiments are further disclosed in the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and benefits will be appreciated by one with skill in the art upon a thorough review of the appended detailed descriptions and drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a throwing game apparatus in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the throwing game apparatus;

FIG. 3 shows a left-side view of the throwing game apparatus;

FIG. 4 shows a right-side view of the throwing game apparatus;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the throwing game apparatus;

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the throwing game apparatus;

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the throwing game apparatus identifying the respective apertures/receptacles and associated points in accordance with a preferred method of play and scoring; and

FIG. 8 shows a scoring card for use with the throwing game in accordance with an embodiment of play.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments, including certain variations or alternative combinations that depart from these details and descriptions. The examples disclosed herein are intended to enable those with skill in the art to practice the invention, but such examples shall not reasonably be construed as limiting the spirit and scope of the invention as-claimed.

In accordance with the embodiments, and for purposes herein, the term “annular” means: of, relating to, or forming a ring of any shape, namely, rectangular, oval, or circular;

the term “planar” means: in the form of a plane, or a flat surface; and

unless explicitly defined herein, or with a definition being obvious to one having skill in the art based on a review of the disclosure, including the appended drawings, all other terms are intended to be defined by their plain and ordinary meaning.

Throwing Game Apparatus

Now, turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 show a throwing game apparatus in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment.

With further reference to FIGS. 1-6, the throwing game apparatus 100 comprises:

a planar base 101 configured to be elevated above a floor;

an annular periphery 102 disposed about a perimeter of the planar base and extending upwardly therefrom; and

a plurality of apertures 103 configured in a linear array 104 and each positioned within a distal one-half 105 of the planar base.

For purposes herein, the “distal one-half” of the planar base means that half of the area of the planar base that is furthest from the player during play (i.e. distal with respect to a player position), and is also the half of the planar base that embodies the apertures and corresponding receptacles.

In some embodiments, including the first illustrated embodiment, the throwing game apparatus 100 may further comprise:

two or more legs 106 extending from the planar base and configured to contact the floor, wherein the planar base is elevated above the floor;

a first hinge 107 coupled between a first leg 108 of the two or more legs and the annular periphery;

a second hinge 109 coupled between a second leg 110 of the two or more legs and the annular periphery, wherein the first and second hinges are disposed at opposite ends of the throwing game apparatus;

a fabric layer 111, the fabric layer covering each of: the planar base and at least one surface 112 of the annular periphery; and/or

a handle 113 coupled to the annular periphery, wherein the handle is adapted to enable portable carry of the throwing game apparatus.

The throwing game apparatus may be further characterized by:

each of the plurality of apertures further comprising a receptacle body 114 engaged therewith, the receptacle body being configured to hold one or more throwing objects 115 within a volume of the receptacle body;

each of the apertures having a diameter (D′) associated therewith;

a gap 116 disposed between each of the apertures, wherein the gap comprises a distance between 0.25 and 1.0 times the diameter of the apertures;

the annular periphery extending upwardly from the planar base at a height (H′), wherein the height is less than or equal to the diameter of the apertures; and/or

the linear array of apertures being disposed along a longitudinal center of the planar base; wherein the planar base is oriented at an angle (A′) with respect to a horizontal plane 117.

The throwing game apparatus may be assembled or manufactured in accordance with known techniques, such as wood working, plastics manufacturing, and/or metal fabrication methods. Because these and other suitable techniques and manufacturing methods are widely known to the skilled artisan, or easily referenced on the internet or with other resources, a description of each will not be included herein. One with skill in the art, reviewing the instant disclosure, will appreciate a variety of manufacturing techniques for making and assembling the throwing game apparatus and all of its various features and elements.

In a preferred embodiment, the first illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the throwing game apparatus is generally fabricated from plywood and framing wood. Wood can be cut to proper dimensions, then glued, nailed, or otherwise fastened together in accordance with techniques known in the conventional art. Apertures can be cut using a circular blade, computerized control cutting, or other known technique. The fabric layer, when desired, may comprise any carpet or similar material, and may be stapled, glued or otherwise affixed to the base and periphery of the throwing game apparatus. All other features, not expressly described herein, can be purchased off the shelf, or fabricated using known techniques.

The throwing game apparatus may optionally comprise a latch 118 and corresponding eyelet 119 as shown in FIGS. 1-6, for the purpose of maintaining the throwing game apparatus in a folded or closed configuration.

Other embodiments may be similarly practiced with any derivative combination or arrangement of the features and elements as disclosed herein.

Method of Play

It is possible to devise a number of methods for play using the throwing game as disclosed herein; however, one illustrated method of play is specifically connected with the throwing game apparatus and is herein disclosed.

In order to play the throwing game in accordance with a preferred embodiment, certain equipment is required, including: the throwing game apparatus as described above, and a plurality of throwing objects.

In the preferred embodiment, eight round throwing objects, or balls, are obtained for play; however, bean bags or other throwing projectiles may be similarly implemented. Four of the eight throwing objects are given to each of two players or teams. The throwing objects are preferably differentiated in color or other visual indicia.

When teams are playing, each member of the team may throw one or more of the throwing objects per throwing round. Alternatively, each member of the team may throw all four of the team's throwing objects in a particular round, followed by another team player throwing the objects in a subsequent round. Because there are four throwing objects for each team to throw each round, the team should be between two and four players (unless the number of throwing objects is modified from the preferred embodiment).

Prior to start of play, each player (or team) obtains its throwing objects; ex: four throwing objects each. The players (or teams) determine who will go first, either by age of players, height, alphabetically, or via coin-flip, roshambo, or any other method conventionally used to determine order of play.

Players also determine whether to implement one of: an Alternating Play Scheme or a Consecutive Play Scheme.

Alternating Play Scheme

Play begins with a first player (or player of a first team) throwing a first of its four throwing objects, with aim to land the player's first throwing object in one of the receptacles of the throwing game apparatus. Next, a second player (or player of a second team) throws a first of its four throwing objects, with aim to land the player's first throwing object in one of the receptacles. The players (or the teams) alternate between each throw until all eight throwing objects (four from each player or team) are thrown (or waived), thereby ending the round.

Note that a player (or team) may choose to not throw one or more of its throwing objects; which shall constitute a waiver, wherein the player (or team) is deemed to waive the respective throw and no points are awarded for that throwing object. In other words, a when a player waives a throw, it is treated as if the throwing object was thrown and failed to land in any receptacle, thereby earning no points. The waiver may be strategically employed, for example, where the player achieves the pre-determined score with less than all of the possible throws for a given round, since, the object is to reach the exact pre-determined score (no more, no less).

Consecutive Play Scheme

Play begins with a first player (or player of a first team) throwing all of its four throwing objects, with aim to land each of the player's throwing objects in one of the receptacles of the throwing game apparatus, respectively. Next, a second player (or player of a second team) throws all of its four throwing objects, with aim to land each of the player's throwing objects in the receptacles. The round ends when all eight throwing objects are thrown (or waived).

Similar to the Alternating Play Scheme, a player (or team) may choose to not throw one or more of its throwing objects; which shall constitute a waiver, wherein the player (or team) is deemed to waive the respective throw and no points are awarded for that throwing object. In other words, a when a player waives a throw, it is treated as if the throwing object was thrown and failed to land in any receptacle, thereby earning no points. The waiver may be strategically employed, for example, where the player achieves the pre-determined score with less than all of the possible throws for a given round, since, the object is to reach the exact pre-determined score (no more, no less).

Whether playing the Alternating Play Scheme or the Consecutive Play Scheme, points are totaled at the end of each throwing round.

After the initial round of play, the player (or team) with the highest number of accumulated points will begin each subsequent round.

If none of the players (or teams) score points in the initial round, or if both players (or teams) score equal points in the initial round, the player (or team) going first in the initial round will also go first in the subsequent round. Once a player (or team) is established as first to throw, that player retains its priority to throw until another player (or team) achieves a cumulative higher score in a subsequent round.

Each player throws its throwing objects from a player-position. The player position can be any distance from the throwing game apparatus, but is preferably six feet from the nearest edge of the throwing game apparatus. Any player may throw from a position that is more than six feet, but no player may throw from a position that is less than six feet from the nearest edge of the throwing game apparatus.

Scoring

The instant throwing game utilizes a novel method for scoring.

The object of the game is to be the first player (or team) to reach the pre-determined score as accumulated through the end of any given round. For purposes herein, the pre-determined score is twenty-one points.

Points are earned for each throwing object landed within one of the three apertures/receptacles of the throwing game apparatus. The receptacles are distinguished by distance relative to the player-position. The first receptacle (closest to the player-position) is worth a first numerical value of points, preferably five points. The third receptacle (furthest from the player-position) is worth a third numerical value of points, preferably one point. Finally, the second receptacle, between the first and third receptacles, is worth a second numerical value of points, preferably three points. For purposes of scoring, the terms “aperture” and “receptacle” are interchangeable. An example is described in FIG. 7, which shows each of the first receptacle, second receptacle, and third receptacle, as well as relation to a player-position, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of play.

Players may implement a defensive strategy. For example, if a first player lands a throwing object in a second receptacle, thereby earning three points, in this hypothetical bringing the first player to achieve twenty-one points for setting up a win, the second player may opt to cancel the three-points by landing its own throwing object in the second receptacle. The act of attempting cancellation of points, by any player, is deemed a defensive play.

If, at the end of any round, a player (or team) exceeds the pre-determined scoring value, then that player (or team) begins the subsequent round with a default reset value. In the preferred embodiment, if, at the end of any round, a player (or team) exceeds a score of twenty-one points, then that player (or team) begins the subsequent round with ten points.

After all throwing objects are thrown (or waived), the round is over, and scoring is determined based on the rules disclosed herein. If, at the end of a round, any player (or team) achieves an accumulated score of twenty-one, or the pre-determined scoring value, the game is over and that player (or team) wins the game.

If, at the end of a round, both players (or teams) simultaneously achieve the pre-determined scoring value, then tie goes to the player that achieved the pre-determined scoring value first (or with fewer throwing objects in the preceding round).

A scoring sheet can be used to track scoring over each successive round of play. FIG. 8 shows an illustrative example of a scoring sheet in accordance with an embodiment. The scoring sheet 200 comprises two vertical columns 201, one for each team, and a plurality of horizontal rows 202, one for each round of play. Each player's column is shown comprising a plurality of point-groupings 203 for each round, a round total 204 and a cumulative total 205.

Thus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, a method for playing a throwing game, comprises:

providing the throwing game apparatus described herein;

providing a plurality of throwing objects;

selecting one of two players to act as the first player for initiating play;

in a first round: the first player throwing its throwing objects with aim to land each of its throwing objects in one of the receptacles of the throwing game apparatus, and the second player throwing its throwing objects with aim to land each of its throwing objects in one of the receptacles of the throwing game apparatus, calculating a first-round score for each player, wherein the first-round score is recorded as a cumulative score after the first round of play; and

in each subsequent round: beginning with the one of the first and second players having the highest cumulative score, or the first player as previously selected, throwing the throwing objects with aim to land each of the throwing objects in one of the receptacles of the throwing game apparatus, and the other player throwing its throwing objects with aim to land each of its throwing objects in one of the receptacles of the throwing game apparatus, calculating a round score, and calculating a cumulative score;

if any of the first and second players exceeds a pre-determined scoring value, resetting that player's score to a default value that is less than the pre-determined scoring value;

wherein the throwing game ends upon one of the players achieving the pre-determined scoring value, and wherein the first player to achieve the pre-determined scoring value wins the game.

The round score can be calculated for each player in accordance with the function:

S(P)=Σ_(X)[(N _(P) >O)_(x) *R _(x)];

wherein:

S(P) is the score for a given player of the first and second players,

Σ_(X) is the summation for each receptacle (X) of the throwing game apparatus,

(N_(P)>O)_(x) is the number of the given player's throwing objects in excess of the other player's throwing objects landed in a respective receptacle,

R_(x) is the score associated with each net throwing object landed in the respective receptacle.

For example, where there are three receptacles associated with the throwing game apparatus, as depicted in the illustrated embodiment, X=3, and the function is equivalent to:

S(P)=[(N _(P) >O)₁ *R ₁]+[(N _(P) >O)₂ *R ₂]+[(N _(P) >O)₃ *R ₃].

The cumulative score can be calculated for each player as the sum of the current and all prior round scores.

In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of keeping score electronically using an application executed by a mobile wireless device (cell phone, tablet and the like).

A throwing game kit may be provided, and generally includes: the throwing game apparatus as described herein, a plurality of throwing objects, and instructions for playing a game using items of the throwing game kit. The throwing game kit may optionally comprise an electronic application configured to reside in, and become executed with, a mobile device, such as a cellular phone, tablet computer, or the like.

While various details, features, and combinations are described in the illustrated embodiments, one having skill in the art will appreciate a myriad of possible alternative combinations and arrangements of the features and details disclosed herein. As such, the descriptions are intended to be enabling only, and non-limiting. Instead, the spirit and scope of the invention is intended to be determined from the appended claims.

REFERENCE FEATURES

-   planar base angle (A′) -   diameter (D′) -   periphery height (H′) -   throwing game apparatus 100 -   planar base 101 -   annular periphery 102 -   plurality of apertures 103 -   linear array 104 -   distal one-half 105 -   legs 106 -   first hinge 107 -   first leg 108 -   second hinge 109 -   second leg 110 -   fabric layer 111 -   annular periphery surface 112 -   handle 113 -   receptacle body 114 -   throwing objects 115 -   gap 116 -   horizontal plane 117 -   latch 118 -   eyelet 119 -   scoring sheet 200 -   vertical columns 201 -   horizontal rows 202 -   point-groupings 203 -   round total 204 -   cumulative total 205 

We claim:
 1. A throwing game apparatus, comprising: a planar base configured to be elevated above a floor; an annular periphery disposed along a perimeter of the planar base and extending upwardly therefrom; a plurality of apertures configured in a linear array and each positioned within a distal one-half of the planar base; two or more legs extending from the planar base and configured to contact the floor, wherein the planar base is elevated above the floor; a first hinge coupled between a first leg of the two or more legs and the annular periphery; a second hinge coupled between a second leg of the two or more legs and the annular periphery, wherein the first and second hinges are disposed at opposite ends of the throwing game apparatus; a fabric layer, the fabric layer covering each of: the planar base and at least one surface of the annular periphery; a handle coupled to the annular periphery, wherein the handle is adapted to enable portable carry of the throwing game apparatus; further characterized by: each of the plurality of apertures further comprising a receptacle body engaged therewith, the receptacle body being configured to hold one or more throwing objects within a volume of the receptacle body; each of the apertures having a diameter (D′) associated therewith; a gap disposed between each of the apertures, wherein the gap comprises a distance between 0.25 and 1.0 times the diameter of the apertures; the annular periphery extending upwardly from the planar base at a height (H′), wherein the height is less than or equal to the diameter of the apertures; and the linear array of apertures being disposed along a longitudinal center of the planar base; wherein the planar base is oriented at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane.
 2. A throwing game apparatus (100), comprising: a planar base (101) configured to be elevated above a floor; an annular periphery (102) disposed along a perimeter of the planar base and extending upwardly therefrom; a plurality of apertures (103) configured in a linear array (104) and each positioned within a distal one-half (105) of the planar base.
 3. The throwing game apparatus of claim 2, comprising two or more legs (106) extending from the planar base and configured to contact the floor, wherein the planar base is elevated above the floor.
 4. The throwing game apparatus of claim 3, comprising a first hinge (107) coupled between a first leg (108) of the two or more legs and the annular periphery.
 5. The throwing game apparatus of claim 3, comprising a second hinge (109) coupled between a second leg (110) of the two or more legs and the annular periphery, wherein the first and second hinges are disposed at opposite ends of the throwing game apparatus.
 6. The throwing game apparatus of claim 2, each of the plurality of apertures further comprising a receptacle body (114) engaged therewith, the receptacle body being configured to hold one or more throwing objects (115) within a volume of the receptacle body.
 7. The throwing game apparatus of claim 6, each of the apertures having a diameter (D′) associated therewith.
 8. The throwing game apparatus of claim 7, comprising a gap (116) disposed between each of the apertures, wherein the gap comprises a distance between 0.25 and 1.0 times the diameter of the apertures.
 9. The throwing game apparatus of claim 7, the annular periphery extending upwardly from the planar base at a height (H′), wherein the height is less than or equal to the diameter of the apertures.
 10. The throwing game apparatus of claim 2, wherein the linear array of apertures is disposed along a longitudinal center of the planar base.
 11. The throwing game apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a fabric layer (111), the fabric layer covering each of: the planar base and at least one surface (112) of the annular periphery.
 12. The throwing game apparatus of claim 2, wherein the planar base is oriented at an angle (A′) with respect to a horizontal plane (117).
 13. The throwing game apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a handle (113) coupled to the annular periphery, wherein the handle is adapted to enable portable carry of the throwing game apparatus.
 14. A throwing game kit, comprising the throwing game apparatus of claim 2, a plurality of throwing objects (115), and instructions for playing a game associated therewith.
 15. A method for playing a throwing game, comprising: providing the throwing game apparatus of claim 2; providing a plurality of throwing objects; selecting one of two players to act as the first player for initiating play; in a first round: the first player throwing its throwing objects with aim to land each of its throwing objects in one of the receptacles of the throwing game apparatus, and the second player throwing its throwing objects with aim to land each of its throwing objects in one of the receptacles of the throwing game apparatus, calculating a first-round score for each player, wherein the first-round score is recorded as a cumulative score after the first round of play; and in each subsequent round: beginning with the one of the first and second players having the highest cumulative score, or the first player as previously selected, throwing the throwing objects with aim to land each of the throwing objects in one of the receptacles of the throwing game apparatus, and the other player throwing its throwing objects with aim to land each of its throwing objects in one of the receptacles of the throwing game apparatus, calculating a round score, and calculating a cumulative score; if any of the first and second players exceeds a pre-determined scoring value, resetting that player's score to a default value that is less than the pre-determined scoring value; wherein the throwing game ends upon one of the players achieving the pre-determined scoring value, and wherein the first player to achieve the pre-determined scoring value wins the game.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the round score is calculated for each player in accordance with the function: S(P)=Σ_(X)[(N _(P) >O)_(x) *R _(x)]; wherein: S(P) is the score for a given player of the first and second players, Σ_(X) is the summation for each receptacle (X) of the throwing game apparatus, (N_(P)>O)_(x) is the number of the given player's throwing objects in excess of the other player's throwing objects landed in a respective receptacle, R_(x) is the score associated with each net throwing object landed in the respective receptacle.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the cumulative score is calculated for each player as the sum of the current and all prior round scores.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of keeping score electronically using an application executed by a mobile wireless device. 